Police recruiting event draws overflow crowd

Thursday

Oct 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM

STOCKTON - More than 125 people interested in joining the Stockton Police Department packed - and overflowed - City's Hall council chambers Wednesday night during a recruiting workshop sponsored by the police chief and mayor.

The Record

STOCKTON - More than 125 people interested in joining the Stockton Police Department packed - and overflowed - City's Hall council chambers Wednesday night during a recruiting workshop sponsored by the police chief and mayor.

The gathering, which was diverse ethnically and in terms of age, pleased both Chief Eric Jones and Mayor Anthony Silva.

"I'm really impressed with the turnout. It's very encouraging to see this many people with an interest in a law enforcement career," Jones said.

"We want to grow our own officers here in Stockton," added Mayor Silva. "We know we have a vast array of people here, from academy grads to those starting at ground zero in terms of the process of becoming an officer or civilian employee. This is a great turnout and helps keep our positive momentum."

The city has 363 budgeted officer positions and currently stands at 348 sworn officers. In addition, another wave of hiring could occur if Measure A - a 3/4-cent tax increase on the ballot next Tuesday - passes. It could lead to the hiring of 120 additional officers.

"This was very informational tonight," said Gwen Johansen, a 2000 Lincoln High School graduate who is considering a law enforcement career.

"I've wanted to be a police officer since I was 7," Lloyd Woods Jr., 24, said. "Now is the time to pursue this."

Jones and several other SPD officers talked individually with workshop attendees after a 40-minute presentation. They also presented information on getting involved through the department's Junior Cadet and Sentinel programs.